Hike to the Basaltic Rocks

This is a long but quite easy hike with some of the prettiest views on Disko Island. Enjoy beautiful nature and local angelica tea. If lucky, we may see whales!

Published 11.08.2015

Hike in unique and scenic surroundings

See basalt columns formed millions of years ago

Chances of seeing whales from a distance

Enjoy local angelica tea and a little snack

Port

Qeqertarsuaq

Season

Summer

Notices

Rocky, and muddy. Good boots required. Distance is approximately 10 km.

Difficulty level

Level 3: Medium

Duration

Approx. 5 hours

62 €

The hike starts with expedition team members leading you through the small village of Qeqertarsuaq. As we approach the town´s limits there are magnificent views of large icebergs at a nearby beach. We then climb over an ancient lava flow to follow the rugged and picturesque coastline. The vegetation here is surprisingly lush due to hidden hot springs. The combination of bizarre rocks, the deep green of the plants and the icebergs below is inimitable. If you are lucky and carry binoculars, you might also spot whales in the distance.

By midsummer, angelica overwhelms Qeqertarsuaq and beckons you to follow one of the island’s many hiking trails. Gather angelica leaves for an aromatic tea made with pure water sourced straight from the waterfall outside town. Drinking local angelica tea and admiring the lifelike shapes of volcanic rocks is an experience exclusive to Qeqertarsuaq.

We then arrive at a place locally known as where basalt columns are at their most impressive. Explore how the lava gushed up millions of years ago, and then through rapid cooling contracted and cracked into awesome lava sculptures. Before we turn back we break for a little snack at a lovely spot.

Practical information

Booking code: G–JGO3

Language: English

Included: A water bottle and snack bar.

Remarks: Dress according to the weather. Comfortable clothes and sturdy footwear.

Walking information: Starts with flat and rather easy terrain. After that rocky, sometimes muddy, but not steep, except the section towards the end point. Good boots required. Distance hiking is approx. 10 km.